More fuel for the fire, or less actually Options

[TimT]

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Why not run LOP, which also slows the flame front, and makes the engine run cooler and cleaner, with lower internal component stresses at any given power setting?

Good reading

[ArtechnikA]

one reason we don't run Lean OF Peak on the ground is that in that region, it's hard to keep oxides of nitrogen (NOx) under control without a catalyst, which our cars (mostly) and aircraft (due to leaded fuel among other things) don't have.

the various lean-burn engine management systems and - lately - the gasoline direct-injection - engines are all attempts to burn in the borderline Lean Of Peak region.

Diesels always operate in an excess of air and nowadays they are able to achieve their very high efficiencies and power levels through the use of very large amounts of exhaust-gas recirculation. recirculating exhaust gas (basically inert) reduces the excess of oxygen that can lead to high combustion temps (high EGT...) and high NOx levels.

it's also hard to get an engine running LOP to accellerate. aircraft spend A LOT of time at cruise, but the automotive power cycle is far more transient...